Golf swing training device

ABSTRACT

A golf swing training device comprises a club member and at least one weight member. The weight member includes a mating structure for securing the weight member to a complementary mating structure in the shaft portion of the club member. The weight member can be secured to the shaft in at least three positions including a first position at the top of the shaft adjacent the handle, a second position at or near the midpoint of the shaft and a third position at or near the distal end of the shaft.

BACKGROUND

[0001] A weighted golf swing training device includes multiple settingsfor the placement of weights.

[0002] This invention relates generally to athletic equipment and moreparticularly concerns golf swing practice equipment. However, the devicedescribed herein is also a training device for other sports, such asbaseball and tennis, especially when used as an exercise device.

[0003] There are many golf and other sport swing trainers in themarketplace which claim tremendous results through correct use on aconsistent basis. While most of them have some merit and offer somebenefits, they also can have one or more counterproductive deficiencies.

[0004] One category of trainers includes those that are unweighted incomparison to actual golf clubs. Since these trainers are not weighted,they neither communicate to the muscles of the golfer in such a way asto break down muscle tension and old muscle habits, nor develop theproper muscle memory needed to produce a correct golf swing.Furthermore, while some of these unweighted devices feel good to swing,they tend to cause the golfer to swing the club over the top of theball.

[0005] Another category of trainers includes trainers that arestatically weighted, such as by use of oversized or weighted club-heads,increased weights where the club-head would otherwise be located andweight mechanisms that are hinged to the club-head end of the shaft.These devices use a variety of straight or bent shafts. While theseweighted devices will change muscle memory, since they are improperlyweighted for the specific aspect of the swing being trained, theyconform it to an improper swing. Thiey generally cause the club to beswung on an incorrect path, encourage the golfer to release the club tooearly and come over the top of the ball or cause the swing to beexcessively wristy which also takes the club shaft off the correct path.

[0006] A third category of trainers does not involve a golf clubsubstitute at all, but employs swing guidance mechanisms such as hoops,tracks, belts and the like designed to force the golfer to swing anactual golf club or trainer on a proper swing path. Such devices aregenerally quite complicated and require much time in setting up for theunique physical characteristics of each individual golf student. Sincethey do not involve weighted mechanisms, they do not break down oldincorrect muscle memory or build new correct muscle memory. Furthermore,these swing guidance mechanisms are generally based on the false premisethat a golf swing takes place in a single plane. The golf swing is abi-planar three-dimensional motion which known guidance mechanisms donot replicate.

[0007] It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a swingtrainer that is weighted so as to break down muscle tension and oldmuscle habits. It is a further object of this invention to provide agolf swing trainer which is properly weighted to develop the musclememory appropriate to produce the correct golf swing. Further, thisinvention intends to provide a level of flexibility never beforeachieved with a swing training device. The key elements of this trainerallow it to evolve with the trainee so as the swing improves the trainerwill continue to provide a level of benefit to the user. A furtherobject of this invention is to provide a golf swing trainer that readilyfits in a golf bag with the golfer's other equipment. It is also anobject of this invention to provide a golf swing trainer that can beused anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as a trainer and also as a warm-uptool.

SUMMARY

[0008] A golf swing training device comprises a club member and at leastone weight member. The club member comprises a handle portion and ashaft portion extending from said handle portion. The shaft portioncomprises shaft mating structure for fastening the weight member to atleast three positions. These positions include a first position at theposition adjacent to the handle portion on the opposite end from thedistal end of said shaft portion. A second position is at the midpointbetween the first position and the distal end of the shaft portion. Athird position is at the distal end of the shaft portion. The weightmember has weight mating structure for fastening the weight member tothe shaft mating structure. At least one weight member is secured to atleast one position along the shaft member.

[0009] The shaft mating structure may comprise an outwardly threadedsurface.

[0010] In one example of the golf swing training device, the shaftportion has a unitary structure. The shaft mating structure may haveshaft fastening bore holes, perpendicular to direction of the shaft,adapted to receive pins for fastening weights to the shaft. The weightmember may have an annular configuration with a coaxial bore axiallyslidably received by the shaft portion. The weight mating structure mayhave weight fastening bore holes, complementary to the shaft fasteningbore holes, perpendicular to and bisecting the coaxial bore. Theseweight fastening bore holes are adapted to receive pins for fasteningweights to the shaft. The weight is fastened to the shaft by fasteningpins.

[0011] In another example of a golf swing training device, the handleportion is attachable to and detachable from the shaft portion. Theshaft portion may comprise at least two shaft sections which areattachable to and detachable from one another and attachable to anddetachable from the handle portion. The weight member is attachable toand detachable from the shaft sections and the handle portion. When thedevice is assembled for golf training the handle portion and the shaftsections are either connected to one another directly, or with at leastone weight member in between (1) the handle portion and a shaft sectionand/or (2) two shaft sections. When positioned in this manner, theweight member also functions as an adapter connector to attach shaftsections to one another or to the handle portion. When the handleportion and said shaft sections are connected to one another directly,at least one weight member is attached to the distal end of said shaftportion.

[0012] The handle portion, the shaft section and the weight member maybe attachable to and detachable from one another by a male/female screwthreading arrangement.

[0013] The components of the golf training device may be provided in akit, which, in turn, may be assembled into the golf swing trainingdevice. The kit may include at least three weight members. The weightmembers may be of the same or different weights.

[0014] A method for training a golf swing using the golf swing trainingdevice may include the steps of:

[0015] (a) positioning a weight member in the first position adjacent tothe handle portion;

[0016] (b) swinging said training device with the weight as positionedin step (a);

[0017] (c) repositioning a weight member to the second position at themidpoint between the handle and the distal end;

[0018] (d) swinging said training device with the weight as positionedin step (c);

[0019] (e) repositioning a weight member to the third position at thedistal end of the shaft portion; and

[0020] (f) swinging said training device with the weight as positionedin step (e).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a three dimensional view of a golf swing training devicewith an outwardly threaded shaft.

[0022]FIG. 2 is an exploded, disassembled view of the golf swingtraining device shown if FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a three dimensional view of a golf swing trainingdevice, wherein a weight is secured to the shaft with pins.

[0024]FIG. 4 is an exploded, disassembled view of the device shown inFIG. 3 without the weight attached.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a three dimensional view of a golf swing training devicewith two weight members.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a three dimensional view of a golf swing training devicewith three weight members.

[0027]FIG. 7 is an exploded, three dimensional view of a golf swingtraining device with multiple club member components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028]FIG. 1 shows a golf swing training device having a club member 10and a weight member 12. The club member 10 has a shaft portion 14 and ahandle portion 16. The club member 10 has a shaft mating structure 18for positioning the weight member 12 on the shaft portion 14, and theweight member 12 has a complimentary mating structure for this purpose.In FIG. 1, the shaft mating structure is shown as threaded surface 20,which extends the entire length of the shaft portion 14. The weightmating structure is the inwardly threaded surface (not shown in FIG. 1)of nut members 22 and 24.

[0029] In FIG. 1, the golf swing training device is assembled with theweight member 12 positioned at the distal end 13 of the shaft portion14, opposite the end of the shaft portion 14, to which is attached thehandle portion 16.

[0030]FIG. 2 is an exploded, disassembled version of the golf swingtraining device shown FIG. 1. The shaft mating structure has anoutwardly threaded surface 20. The weight member includes two inwardlythreaded nut members 22 and 24. The weight member also includes a lockwasher 26, having an outer diameter essentially the same as the outerdiameter of nut members 22 and 24. The weight member further includesfive washer weights 28, 30, 32, 34 and 36. An optional second lockwasher (not shown) may be interposed between washer weight 36 and nutmember 24.

[0031] By means of the threaded shaft portion 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,one or more weight members may be positioned on any part of the threadedsurface 20 of the shaft. A first position 38 is at the position adjacentto said handle portion 16 on the opposite end from the distal end 13 ofthe shaft portion 14. A second position 40 is at the midpoint 42 betweenthe first position 38 and the distal end 13 of said shaft portion 14. Athird position 44 is at the distal end 13 of the shaft portion 14.

[0032] It will be understood that modifications may be made to thestructure of the golf swing training device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Forexample, the threaded portions of the shaft could be only in positions38, 42 and 44, with smooth, unthreaded sections between these positions.The diameter of the threaded shaft could be greatest in position 38 andsmallest in position 44 to permit larger nuts in position 38. Theselarger nuts could simply slide up the lower portion of the shaft withoutthe need to screw the nuts up the entire length of the shaft in order toreach position 38. It is also possible to use a detachable handle 16,which may be removed for the purpose of placing a weight in position 38.

[0033]FIG. 3 illustrates another type of golf swing training device,wherein a weight is secured to the shaft by pins, which pass through theweights and shaft. In FIG. 3, a golf swing training device has a clubmember 50 and a weight member 52. The club member 50 has a shaft portion54 and a handle portion 56. The handle portion 56 is opposite the distalend 53 of the shaft portion 54. The club member 50 has a shaft matingstructure for positioning the weight member 52 on the shaft portion 54and the weight member 52 has a complimentary mating structure for thispurpose. In FIG. 3, the shaft mating structure is shown as shaft boreholes 60 and 61, which are shown in positions 80 and 84 of the shaftportion 14. The weight member 52 is fixed at position 82 by the shaftnmating structure, which is a bore hole (not shown in FIG. 3) and acomplementary weight mating structure, which includes pin 65. Pin 65passes through weight fastening bore holes (not shown in FIG. 3). Theseweight fastening bore holes are complementary to the shaft fasteningbore hole (not shown in position 82 in FIG. 3), perpendicular to andbisecting a coaxial bore of the weight member 52.

[0034]FIG. 4 is an exploded, disassembled view of the club member 50 ofFIG. 3 without a weight member attached. Shaft bore hole 62 is shown inposition 82. The weight member 52 has an annular configuration with acoaxial bore 70, which is sized so that the weight member 52 is axiallyand slidably received by the shaft portion 54, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.Weight fastening bore holes 72, complementary to the shaft fasteningbore holes 60, 61 and 62, shown in FIG. 4, are drilled in a directionperpendicular to and bisecting said coaxial bore 70. The weightfastening bore holes 72, and the complementary shaft fastening boreholes 60, 61 and 62, are adapted to receive pins 65 for fastening weightmembers 52 to the shaft portion 54.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a view of a golf swing training device with two weightmembers 52 in positions 82 and 84. When two weight members 52 arepositioned on the shaft, they can be in any possible combination ofpositions, including positions 80 and 84 and positions 80 and 82.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a view of a golf swing training device with three weightmembers 52 in positions 80, 82 and 84.

[0037] It will be understood that modifications may be made to thestructure of the golf swing training device shown in FIGS. 3-6. Forexample, the shaft portion 54 may have more than three shaft bore holes,e.g., up to ten shaft bore holes, so that weight members may be securedin more than three positions.

[0038] The three positions 80, 82, and 84 of bore holes 60, 61 and 62shown in FIGS. 3-6 need not be limited to particular points along theshaft. For example, the first position may be within a section having alength of, e.g., 10% of the entire shaft length, which section connectsto the handle portion 56 of the club member. The second position 82 maybe within a section having a length of, e.g., 10% of the entire shaftlength, which section intersects with the midpoint of the shaft. Thethird position 84 may be within a section having a length of, e.g., 10%of the entire shaft length, which section includes the distal end 53 ofthe shaft.

[0039] It is also possible to have a weight member projecting outwardlyfrom the distal end 53. A counterbalancing weight may also be placed onthe butt end of the handle portion 56, opposite the distal end 53.

[0040]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a golf swing device with multiplecomponents. The handle portion 116 is attachable to and detachable fromthe shaft portion. The shaft portion has two shaft sections 114 and 115,which are attachable to and detachable from one another and attachableto and detachable from the handle portion 116. The weight member 112 isattachable to and detachable from the shaft sections 114 and 115 and thehandle portion 116. When the device is assembled for golf training, thehandle portion 116 and the shaft sections 114 and 115 are eitherconnected to one another directly, or with at least one weight member112 in between (1) the handle portion 116 and a shaft section 114 and/or(2) two shaft sections 114 and 115. When positioned in this manner. theweight member 112 also functions as an adapter connector to attach shaftsections 114 and 115 to one another or to the handle portion 116. Whenthe handle portion l16 and the shaft sections 114 and 115 are connectedto one another directly, at least one weight member 112 is attached tothe distal end 113 of the shaft portion.

[0041] The handle portion, the shaft section and the weight member maybe attachable to and detachable from one another by a male/female screwthreading arrangement.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, especially when the shaft portion14 is composed of solid steel, the club member 10 may weigh, forexample, from 1 to 4 pounds. Weight member 12 may vary in weightaccording to size and number of washer weights (e.g., washer weights 26,28, 30, 32, 34 and 36 of FIG. 2), which are placed between units 24 and26. Each weight member 12 may weigh, for example, from 4 ounces to 4pounds.

[0043] Similarly, in other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS.3-7, the club member may weigh, for example, from 1 to 4 pounds, andeach weight member may weigh, for example, from 4 ounces to 4 pounds.

[0044] The shaft member may be composed of any material strong enough tosupport the force generated by swinging the weighted club member. Suchmaterials include metal, such as steel, plastic, wood and graphite.Composites of such materials may also be used. For example, the shaftmember be essentially composed of plastic or wood with metal male orfemale screw connecting members embedded therein or otherwise attachedthereto.

[0045] Although not shown in FIGS. 3-6, the pin 65 may be secured on theopposite end of insertion by a fastening device, such as a cotter.

[0046] It will be understood that the present club member isdistinguished from ordinary golf clubs for hitting golf balls. Thepresent club member is adapted to function as a training device, and itis not adapted to hit golf balls. Also, the present club member includesshaft mating structure in at least three positions.

[0047] When the shaft member has a unitary structure, such as shown inFIGS. 1-6, as opposed to a component structure, as shown in FIG. 7, thisshaft mating structure may include at least one projection, such as anoutwardly extending screw thread, or at least one indentation, such as abore hole or inwardly extending screw thread, in each of theabove-mentioned three positions.

[0048] Examples of such projections include baffles or collar structuresaligned to form a groove in the shaft. The weight member may have adonut type structure, of the shape shown by weight member of 52 of FIG.4, except that the weight member is hinged along the outer diameter in adirection coaxial to the coaxial bore 70. In the open position, theweight member has two semicircular, half donut shaped portions, whichcan be placed over the shaft in a grooved region between collars orbaffles. These opened portions may then be closed in a fastenedposition, whereby outwardly projecting edges of the baffles or collarsare in contact with the weight member and prevent it from sliding alongthe axial direction of the shaft when the weighted club member is swung.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the shaft member is preferably straight,as opposed to cutved or slightly bent.

[0050] The golf swing training device of the present invention isreferred to hereinafter as the Trainer.

[0051] The Trainer is a swing trainer that employs a shaft, such as asolid steel shaft, with various weight positions throughout the shaft.One end of the shaft is fitted with a training grip or standard grip,and the other end may be fitted with a protection cover. The traininggrip may have a contoured surface, which promotes proper grasping of theclub for a golf swing. The top of the Trainer shaft may have a straightline down the shaft for alignment indication, and reference positions.The various weight positions allow weight to be distributed forcorrecting improper muscle memory when swung on the correct plane andtherefore, developing the muscle memory in accordance with a correctswing on a correct swing plane.

[0052] It is generally well stated that in actual play of one's sport,one's grip, stance, back swing, downswing and follow through, generallyin that order, must be worked out and perfected and each stage of saidswing coordinated before success as a player can be achieved. Havingprogrammed the muscles to repeat the proper motion by use of theTrainer, the player is able to allow muscle memory to cause a repetitionof the proper swing rather than mentally processing the components ofthe swing as the swing is made, a process most athletes recognize to bea futile exercise leading to disaster.

[0053] The Trainer offers no assistance in hitting a ball but functionswith surprising efficiency enabling the user not only to learn to time aswing, but also to swing along the correct plane so that a player willget the maximum club head speed at the intended point of ball impact andwill thus condition a player in a manner to achieve better results whenactually playing a game.

[0054] The Trainer is designed to help improve the swing of a golf club,baseball bat, tennis racket or other sport requiring a swing. Inreference to the golf swing, the trainer provides a novel method fordeveloping an efficient, precise, repeatable and powerful golf swingwhich remains on the proper swing plane. The physical properties of theTrainer facilitate the learning of a swing which remains on a consistentswing plane with a proper release of the club-head at the moment ofimpact. The Trainer provides for the positioning of a weight at avariety of positions along the length of the shaft. The physicalimplications of moving this weight along the shaft are discussedhereinafter.

[0055] First/Proximal Weight Position:

[0056] With the weight in a position closest to the grip, in the golfswing, a player should think circular body movement and vertical armmovement. In the beginning of the swing a player needs to try tomaintain the original set-up position having the arms, hands, andclub-head in front of the chest. The hands and arms should remainaligned with the center of the chest. The arms and hands simply hingeand rise in the form of a back-swing as the body rotates. Unlikeswinging a standard golf club or other swing aids, this inventionprovides instant feedback of improper movement of the hands, arms andbody from the starting position to the top of the back-swing. Ratherthan taking a standard golf club or standard swing aid and swinging atfull speed emulating a golf shot, the position closest to the grip isthe key stage in developing and reinforcing the basic fundamentals ofthe back-swing. Using the trainer in this position, focusing on acircular (not horizontal) movement of the body and vertical (not around)motion of the club-head, a player will develop the rarely attained onepiece takeaway.

[0057] From the top of the back-swing, to the start of the down swing, aplayer must support weight with the arms (not hands) therefore allowingthe arms to start the downswing in a dropping motion. When a playerdrops his or her arms supporting the weight with his or her arms, theplayer will position the club properly on the original swing plane. Whenusing the Trainer with the weight at this first position, the weight isto perceived as being equally distributed in the arms. If at any timethe perception of the weight is not in the arms, the player has made anincorrect movement. This perception can be amplified by increasing theamount of weight positioned closest to the grip.

[0058] The transition from the top of the back-swing to the bottom ofthe downswing initiating contact should feel like the arms haveinitiated a smooth and rhythmic motion towards the golf ball. When usingthe Trainer in this transition movement, the tempo must be slow anddeliberate with no jerking motion. By having the weight in this firstposition, it will reinforce the proper rotation of the arms throughoutthe hitting zone, and not the improper folding of the hands at impact.

[0059] The follow through is simply a mirror image of the back-swing,the body must rotate in a circular motion as the arms must pick the clubup and over the body in a vertical motion, not around the body to finishin a proper position on the body's leading side of the target. Thepositions of the arms, hands and club-head stay in front of the chest asthe arms carry the club vertically and the momentum of the body bringsclub up and over the body.

[0060] Second/Central Weight Position:

[0061] With the weight in a central position, the static weight of theTrainer does not change but the trainer is perceived to be heavier dueto the greater amount of centripetal force and torque generated. Becauseof this increased weight perception, a player's movements have greaterimpact throughout a swing, thus ensuring more use of arms rather thanhands to perform a proper swing through the hitting area. The additionalfeel of weight then allows and forces the club to be thrown away fromthe body through a player's impact zone.

[0062] The transition from the top of the back-swing to the bottom ofthe downswing initiating contact should feel like the arms haveinitiated a smooth and rhythmic motion towards the golf ball. When usingthe Trainer in the second position, the tempo must be slow anddeliberate with no jerking motion. By having the weight in the centralposition it will encourage the player to maintain the proper angleallowing the club to drop into the proper swing plane, rather than fallon an incorrect path. By maintaining this angle, a player's musclememory will change from casting the golf club to dropping the golf clubinto the so called “slot”, thus producing a proper, and much morepowerful position at impact.

[0063] Again, as with the first position, the follow through at thecentral position is simply a mirror image of the back-swing; the bodymust rotate in a circular motion as the arms must pick the club up andover the body in a vertical motion. With the weight in the secondposition during the follow through, the Trainer will now feel like it isbeing thrown away from the body ensuring a proper in to out swing pathwith the position of the arms, hands and club head maintaining a centerposition in front of the chest and the momentum of the body finishingstrong on the players leading side towards the target.

[0064] Third/Distal Position:

[0065] Having programmed the muscles to repeat the proper motion by useof the Trainer, the player is able to allow muscle memory to cause arepetition of the proper swing. Through the first two weight positions,muscle memory has been built to the point were the player is now able touse the advanced third/distal weight position effectively. In the thirdposition the basic principles remain unchanged in regard to the swingmechanics. The emphasis now becomes maintaining control of thedramatically increased perceived weight. Such emphasis to be placed uponincreased angle position at the top of the back-swing, therefore,allowing a stronger release through the hitting area (defined as theregion between 3 and 9 on a clock with 6 being the position of the golfball). The key fundamental emphasis of using the trainer with the weightin the third position at the top of the back-swing is to maintain theproper angle and keep the weight perception in the arms. If the weightis not controlled by the arms, the weight will drop in the hands andfall behind generating an unmistakable over-the-top motion to attempt toget the club through the hitting area. When the weight is maintainedproperly, the player will then be able to bring the arms and hands backin front of the chest along the swing plane resulting in a proper in toout release through the hitting area. With the weight in the thirdposition the emphasis through the hitting area will be easily obtainableby maintaining the proper angle previously referenced. The movementthrough the hitting area must include a full release and extension ofthe arms, not hands, on an in-to-out path. With the increased perceivedweight, the club will automatically feel like it is being thrown awayfrom the body, therefore, ensuring a proper, precise, powerful and mostimportantly, natural release.

[0066] As stated previously, the follow through is a mirror image of theback-swing. When the weight is in the third position and the properrelease has been achieved, the common mistake is to finish the followthrough by picking the club tip with the hands. This movement will beextremely difficult because of the increased perceived weight, but ifthe arms pick the club up, as in the back-swing, the natural motion willfeel effortless as the centripetal force allows the player to finish theswing strongly on the leading side toward the target.

[0067] Description of Physics and Principles at Work in the Trainer

[0068] The key physical principle being utilized in the Trainer is thatof centripetal force. Centripetal force is equal to the mass of anobject multiplied by the velocity of that object squared and thendivided by the radius of the circular path that object is traveling(Centripetal Force=(Mass×Velocity²)/Radius). Thus, when swung at aconstant velocity, the centripetal force being generated is defined bythe mass of the Trainer (Mass) and the length of the Trainer shaft(Radius). Both of these elements are practically infinitely variable inthis invention. Any amount of weight, which is not excessively heavy,may be added to the shaft, and, according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention, this weight can be secured at any point along theshaft, generating an effective radius that is shorter as the weightapproaches the handle. Adjustment of the weight alters the shaft'scenter of gravity in the direction the weight is moved. Given a constantweight, when the weight is closest to the handle, the effective radiusof the circular swing path is at its shortest, providing for thegeneration of the minimum amount of centripetal force. Generating asmaller amount of effective centripetal force provides for a lessforceful swing. As the weight is moved away from the handle, theeffective centripetal force becomes greater, providing for a moreforceful swing requiring more active precision by the user.

[0069] Even when the shaft of the Trainer is adapted to receive weightsin only three positions, the center of gravity of the shaft can bevaried by placing two or more weights on the shaft in differentpositions. For example, when weights are placed in both thefirst/proximal position and the second/central position, the center ofgravity will be between the center of gravity, when the same weight isonly in the first position, and the center of gravity, when the sameweight is only in the second position.

[0070] Anatomical Function of the Trainer

[0071] The swing training device provides a method to train andstrengthen all the major muscles used in the golf swing. Specifically,swinging of the device activates muscle contraction leading to musclememory in the large muscles of the back including Teres major,Infraspinatus, Rhomboids, Latissimus dorsi and the Erector spinae. Asspine angle is a key element in a precise and repeatable golf swing,having proper strength and muscle memory in the muscles of the back iscritical. Key muscle groups of the arms that are activated and trainedthrough the use of the swing trainer include the Brachioradials,Brachialis, Triceps and Biceps brachii, wrist extensors and forearmflexors. Use of the training device ingrains the proper feel of muscleswhich should be activated and used predominately in the swing, makingthe sensation an ingrained physical perception which can be repeatedwhen making a normal swing. The major muscles of the shoulders are alsotargeted through use of the swing training device including theTrapezius, Anterior, Medial and Posterior heads of the deltoid.Additionally the major supporting muscles of the mid-section includingthe Rectus abdominus and both internal and external obliques are trainedthrough the use of the training device providing increased strength andflexibility facilitating a proper swing. Finally, all the major musclesof the lower body including the Rectus femoris, Vastus lateralis, Vastusmedialis, Biceps femoris, Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus andGastrocnemius are all effectively activated through the use of thetrainer. The training device is an excellent total body training devicewhich through swinging and/or through using in a series of definedexercises, provides a total body training system for athletes involvedin golf, baseball, tennis and other sports requiring a swing.

[0072] Physical Description:

[0073] The Trainer includes a shaft, that can be any length, butgenerally will be between 26″ and 40″ in length, that can be anydiameter, but generally will be ½″ or ⅝″. There is a grip end where theTrainer is held. There is a system so as to allow a variable amount ofweight to be positioned at three positions or more along the shaft. Thiscan be accomplished through many mechanisms. As described above inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment includes a threaded shaft,with weighted members, which may have approximately 2″ outer diameter(OD) and an inner diameter (ID) of sufficient size as to allow it to fitover the threaded shaft. The weighted members are held in a positionalong the shaft by two nuts, such that when the two nuts are tightenedagainst each other, the weighted members are held in position, unable toslide freely. The weighted members can be of variable thickness so as toallow a variable amount of weight to be positioned along the shaft. Thethreaded mechanism provides for an indefinite number of positions, suchthat the weight can be positioned and secured at any position along theshaft.

[0074] Another mechanism for securing variable weight to the shaftinvolves one or more variably weighted weight cartridges, used as areplacement for the weight members 52 of FIGS. 3-6. This cartridge mayconsists of a cassette providing for the storage of a variable number ofweighted units within the cassette. The cassette is designed in such away that the weighted units are inserted within it and the cassette isthen closed so that the weighted units are secured. The cassette and theweighted members have an inner diameter of sufficient size as to allowthem to fit over the shaft. There may be a ¼″ hole passing transverselythrough the cassette in a manner perpendicular to the center hole. Theremay be complimentary ¼″ holes positioned along the shaft. When theweighted cassette is passed over the shaft and corresponding ¼″ holesare aligned, a ¼″ cotter pin or cotter-less pin with spring assembly canbe passed through both the weighted cassette and the center shaft tosecure the two pieces together. The pin can be removed and the weightedmember can be repositioned at any point along the shaft, including acomplimentary ¼″ hole, and re-secured with the pin.

[0075] Another mechanism providing for variable weight at varyingpositions along the shaft involves the embodiments of FIGS. 3-6, whereina weighted member of appropriate OD and ID so as to allow it to freelypass over the shaft. The weighted members are of variable thickness.Each weighted member has a ¼″ hole passing transversely through it suchthat the ¼″ hole is perpendicular to the inner hole passing tlirough theweighted member. The shaft has a variable number of corresponding ¼″holes positioned along its length such that the weighted member can bepositioned over the shaft and secured with a cotter pin or cotter-lesspin with spring assembly.

[0076] Any other possible mechanism for achieving variable weight andposition of that weight is encompassed in the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf swing training device comprising a clubmember and at least one weiglht member, wherein said club membercomprises a handle portion and a shaft portion extending from saidhandle portion, wherein said shaft portion comprises shaft matingstructure for fastening said weight member to at least three positionscomprising a first position in the section adjacent to said handleportion on the opposite end from the distal end of said shaft portion, asecond position between said first position and the distal end of saidshaft portion, and a third position in a section including the distalend of said shaft portion, wherein said weight member has weight matingstructure for fastening said weight member to said shaft matingstructure, and wherein at least one weight member is secured to at leastone position along said shaft portion.
 2. A device according to claim 1,wherein said shaft mating structure comprises an outwardly threadedsurface.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said shaft portionhas a unitary structure, wherein said shaft mating structure comprisesshaft fastening bore holes, perpendicular to direction of the shaft,adapted to receive pins for fastening weights to said shaft, whereinsaid weight member has an annular configuration with a coaxial boreaxially slidably received by said shaft portion, wherein said weightmating structure comprises weight fastening bore holes, complementary tothe shaft fastening bore holes, perpendicular to and bisecting saidcoaxial bore, adapted to receive pins for fastening weights to saidshaft, and wherein said weight is fastened to said shaft by fasteningpins.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said handle portion isattachable to and detachable from said shaft portion, wherein said shaftportion comprises at least two shaft sections which are attachable toand detachable from one another and attachable to and detachable fromsaid handle portion, wherein said weight member is attachable to anddetachable from said shaft sections and said handle portion, wherein,when said device is assembled for golf training, said handle portion andsaid shaft sections are either connected to one another directly, orwith at least one weight member there between, functioning as an adapterconnector, provided that, when said handle portion and said shaftsections are connected to one another directly, at least one weightmember is attached to the distal end of said shaft portion.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein said handle portion, said shaft sectionand said weight member are attachable to and detachable from one anotherby a male/female screw threading arrangement.
 6. A kit for assembling agolf swing training device according to claim 1, said kit comprising aclub member and at least one weight member, wherein said club membercomprises a handle portion and a shaft portion extending from saidhandle portion, wherein said shaft portion comprises shaft matingstructure for fastening said weight member to at least three positionscomprising a first position in the section adjacent to said handleportion on the opposite end from the distal end of said shaft portion, asecond position between said first position and the distal end of saidshaft portion, and a third position in a section including the distalend of said shaft portion, wherein said weight member has weight matingstructure for fastening said weight member to said shaft matingstructure.
 7. A kit according to claim 6 comprising at least threeweight members.
 8. A kit according to claim 7, wherein said shaft matingstructure comprises an outwardly threaded surface.
 9. A kit according toclaim 7 further comprising fastening pins, wherein said shaft portionhas a unitary structure, wherein said shaft mating structure comprisesshaft fastening bore holes, perpendicular to direction of the shaft,adapted to receive pins for fastening weights to said shaft, whereinsaid weight member has an annular configuration with a coaxial boreaxially slidably received by said shaft portion, wherein said weightmating structure comprises weight fastening bore holes, complementary tothe shaft fastening bore holes, perpendicular to and bisecting saidcoaxial bore, adapted to receive pins for fastening weights to saidshaft.
 10. A method for training a golf swing using a golf swingtraining device according to claim 1, said method comprising the stepsof: (a) positioning a weight member in said first position; (b) swingingsaid training device with the weight as positioned in step (a); (c)repositioning a weight member to said second position; (d) swinging saidtraining device with the weight as positioned in step (c); (e)repositioning a weight member to said third position; and (f) swingingsaid training device with the weight as positioned in step (e).